Family Camping in Canada

Canadian family camping is enjoyed by a large number of people as a favourite vacation destination. With Canada's vast tracts of wilderness combined with the multitude of lakes and rivers, family camping in Canada has become a national pastime. You owe it to yourself to experience the natural wonders that this country holds.

History of Canadian Family Camping

Family camping in Canada became popular after the Second World War as surplus military tents and supplies arrived on the scene. As there was so much, these supplies were sold at a very large discount to the Canadian people.

Family camping in Canada originated with native groups moving their settlements between various camps depending on the seasons. The Europeans were taught to survive in the wilderness by the natives and soon they were making their way towards the west coast through untamed wilderness. The Europeans established outposts and camp sites along the way. This was the beginning of wilderness camping in Canada.

In the late 19th century, hunters and fisherman began to establish hunting camps in Canada for recreational activities. Canadian camping, at this time, was mainly experienced through established campsites as the weight of the equipment prevented campers from moving around.

Popularity of Family Camping in Canada

As the automobile became more popular and more people were buying them, car camping became a popular recreational activity. As the activity grew, many municipalities established campgrounds outside city centers. Entrepreneurs saw that money could be made from Canadian family camping and the private campground came into being.

The YMCA held its first youth summer camps in Canada in the late 1800's. It wasn't long and other youth groups such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides were camping in Canada. The popularity of summer camps led to rapid growth in youth campgrounds and it was estimated that there were over 1500 youth camps in the 1980's.

Popular Canadian Family Camping Locations

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Parks

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Parks offer family camping for those with young children or who are young at heart. Tent sites are available as well as cabins. If you are RVing in Canada they offer RV camping. There are 5 Jellystone Parks in Canada:

Leisure Time Park offers family camping in proximity to Canada's Wonderland. Take the kids to one of Canada's premiere amusement parks and go back to the campsite for a swim before dinner. Speaking of dinner, the 2.5 acre private lake is brimming with Rainbow trout...see who can catch the biggest or the most fish.

Warsaw Caves Conservation Area

If you are looking to "rough it" a little more and teach your children about nature, then visit Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and Campgrounds. With 50 campsites and 3 large group campsites, you'll have plenty of room to enjoy the grounds. If hiking in Canada is your preference, Warsaw Caves has 13 km (8 miles) of trails with 7 "beginner" caves to explore.

For camping activities take a canoe out on the Indian River and explore the coastline. Spend the morning fishing for walleye...the afternoon lazing on the beach and swimming...after dinner gather around the campfire for storytelling and sing-a-longs.

Algonquin Park

Algonquin Park is the "jewel" of camping in Ontario. The interior of the park is true Canadian wilderness. Accessible by hiking, kayaking, or canoeing your way through the park, you'll experience the sights and sounds of pristine wilderness. This an excellent Canadian family camping experience for those parents with older children.

For those families who want to experience family camping in Canada without going deep into the wilderness there are campgrounds on the periphery of Algonquin Park. The Parkway corridor offers campsites that are close to the wilds but offer modern amenities. You will still get to experience the magnificence of this park and enjoy hiking, fishing, and swimming as well as visiting museums, taking nature tours, and enjoying picnic lunches.

Gros Morne Adventures

Another "jewel" in Canadian family camping is Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland & Labrador. It has been declared an UNESCO heritage site due to its geological uniqueness and incredible scenery. Camp in the artic-alpine barrens with woodland caribou and artic hare while discovering the 4,500 year history of man on these shores.

Gros Morne Adventures offers family camping in Canada with enjoyable educational and adventurous activities. Here you will be able to pick the family activities you want to experience instead of the "what you see is what you get" available in most Canadian family camping.

High Energy Family Adventures takes you off the beaten path and challenges you.

Customized All-Inclusive Family Adventures allows you to create your own adventure trip.

Canadian family camping is an inexpensive vacation that allows you to reconnect with your family and nature. "Get away from it all" by hiking the wilderness…canoeing pristine lakes and rivers...catching fish for dinner...and relaxing on the beach. Choose a location where everyone can enjoy the activities. There's no better way to get rid of the stress of daily life than family camping in Canada.